Tests for Common Diseases

What Causes Root Rot in Peas? Root rot of peas in the Canadian prairies has been a growing concern over the last several years.  While root rot can be caused by a number of organisms including Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium, Aphanomyces has garnered the most attention as the new kid on the block.  First confirmedRead more

Clubroot in canola is caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, a parasite that infects the roots of host plants and produces club-shaped galls that restrict the flow of water and nutrients. Plasmodiophora brassicae is an obligate parasite, meaning it cannot survive without a living host. Collecting Samples? Click Here. Additional information: 2016 Clubroot Survey Report Alberta AgricultureRead more

The Fungal Screen™ is a test that identifies potentially devastating seed-born pathogens that may be present on cereal seed (Please note: True Loose Smut requires a separate test.  Please click here to learn more.) This is, perhaps, one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available to growers. It was developed by and is exclusive toRead more

The fungal pathogens that cause true loose smut, or TLS, are crop specific: Ustilago nuda in barley Ustilago tritici in wheat Why Does it Matter? TLS is an internal smut, meaning the fungus grows within the plant rather than on the surface. Diseased plants look normal until heading, which is when the disease manifests itselfRead more

A fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can attack a wide variety of crops, including pulses, vegetables, canola and forages, causing sclerotinia white mold. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE Yield loss. During periods of wet or humid weather, yield loss from white mold can be as high as 50%. Grade loss. Sclerotia (resting bodies) found in seed can reduce grades.Read more